Not a Vet, Just a Doggy Daddy - When Is It Time?

by Jon Buzby

I'm not a veterinarian or someone who even pretends to know much about medical conditions as they relate to a dog, or any animal for that matter. In other words, I'm just like most of you reading this. This I do know, one of the hardest decisions I'll ever make is when to put my almost 17 year old mutt to sleep.

I know there are countless articles written about the subject and another thousand people who would be more than willing to lend me their opinions on it. But the bottom line is, like dealing with any family matter, sometimes you just have to go with your heart.

My once active pup now struggles to stand for long periods of time, paces as she fights the effects of Alzheimer's, can't hear anything other than a high pitched whistle, and is becoming less and less reliable to make it outside in time. All of these criteria, in books, are signs that it might be time.

However, she eats well, seems to be in no pain, hasn't started snapping at people and still wants to be around any human being in the house rather than lay alone. In those same books, signs it might not be time.

I try to forget the cost and sometimes hassle (a 2am carpet cleaning) of keeping her alive versus not ~ I think that's only fair. So money and frustration aside, when is it really time?

As I see her back leg give out while she's eating, forcing her to finish the last morsels while lying down, I think it's time. And then I see the food gone from the dish, her getting excited for dessert and still frisky enough to try and steal her doggy brother's treat as well.

As I pick up the trail of poop from the kitchen to the doggie door, I think it's time. But then I watch the next few times as she quickly (for a 17 year old dog) scampers down the ramp and out the door to urinate.

As I carry her up long flights of steps I think back to her younger years and her bounding all over the house, and I think it must be time. But then I watch her peacefully sleep next to our bed, snuggled up in her blankets, through the night, perfectly content.

As I come into the house and have to wake her up to announce that I'm home rather than see her jumping up and down with excitement, I think it's time. But then I hear and see her following me around the house everywhere just begging to be pet or held or handed a treat ~ just like when she was a pup.

I've decided what might make the decision easiest is to put myself, yes, me the human, in her place. When I reach that age in my life, when will I want to be put to sleep? Will it be when I'm occasionally having trouble getting around and almost making it to the toilet? Will it be just because I struggle to hear or see things that used to be so clear? Will it be because it costs a few more dollars each month to keep me alive?

I don't think there are any easy answers to this age old question. What I do know is that I'm sure far too many people selfishly wait too long to make the decision, or don't wait long enough out of aggravation and cost.

The time is coming, I know, but my heart tells me it's just not here yet. What I hope is that when the moment does come, as I listen to her heart come to rest, I'll do so knowing in mine it is the right time.
Jon Buzby's columns have appeared in over thirty newspapers and magazines around the country as well as numerous websites. He is also a frequent public speaker and has written two books. He can be contacted at JonBuzby@hotmail.com or 302-562-8773.